Azure Dynamics and Ford Motor Company are collaborating to create an electric version of the 2010 North American Truck of the Year, the Ford Transit Connect Electric. Azure Dynamics Corporation (TSX: AZD)(OTC:AZDDF) the fast growing hybrid electric and electric power train innovator for the commercial truck market, today announced that AM General LLC will collaborate in producing the Transit Connect Electric, the all-electric version of Ford Motor Company’s award winning Transit Connect.
In this role, AM General, a long-established contract vehicle manufacturer and services provider, will be responsible for final assembly of the Transit Connect Electric for the North American market from its Engineering and Product Development Center in Livonia, Michigan. The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) provided Azure Dynamics with incentive funding to encourage the selection of a Michigan based partner. Further MEDC High Technology Mega Tax credits may be available based on specific job creation criteria.
“Our hierarchy for facility selection criteria began by identifying a partner with the proven technical expertise and high quality standards that both Azure and Ford customers expect,” said Curt Huston, Azure Dynamics Chief Operating Officer. wanted a facility in Southeast Michigan that capitalized on the area’s highly skilled automotive workforce and available manufacturing capacity. AM General fit the bill and we are delighted to add their capabilities and know-how to this revolutionary vehicle program.”
AM General will receive Transit Connect “gliders” (powerless vehicles without a conventional powertrain or exhaust system) from the Ford manufacturing location in Turkey, and Force DriveTM electric components from Azure and supplier facilities in North America. The current production plan includes an initial quantity of vehicles to be built in late 2010 with full production scheduled to begin in April 2011.
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Tuesday, August 31, 2010
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